India Dominates Kabaddi World Cup 2025, Wins Both Men’s & Women’s Titles in the UK

India Dominates Kabaddi World Cup 2025, Wins Both Men’s & Women’s Titles in the UK
March 27, 2025
Knowledge Bulletin

India once again proved supremacy in kabaddi by securing both the Men’s and Women’s titles at the Kabaddi World Cup (KWC) 2025. The tournament was held from March 17 to 23, 2025, in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom (UK), marking a historic milestone as the first KWC held outside Asia.

Thrilling Victories for India

The Indian Men’s team secured success in a suspenseful finish, defeating England 44-41 in an intense match that showcased high-level skill and strategy. Meanwhile, the Indian Women’s team delivered a commanding performance, overpowering England with a convincing 57-34 win.

The Indian women’s team was captained by Ritu Negi, while the men’s team was led by Pawan Sehrawat. Their leadership and teamwork were crucial in securing India’s double triumph.

About Kabaddi World Cup 2025

  • The second edition of the Kabaddi World Cup featured over 60 matches, showcasing the grandeur of the sport.
  • For the first time, the tournament was hosted outside Asia, with matches held across Birmingham, Coventry, Walsall, and Wolverhampton in the UK’s West Midlands region.
  • The event was backed by the West Midlands Combined Authority’s (WMCA) Commonwealth Games Major Events Legacy Fund.
  • Sponsorship for the tournament came from Paddy Power, an Irish gambling company, along with additional financial support of GBP 500,000 from the WMCA. The University of Wolverhampton also played a key role in supporting the event.

Kabaddi World Cup 2025

India’s Continued Dominance in Kabaddi

India has consistently been the powerhouse of kabaddi. The first edition of the Kabaddi World Cup was organized in 2019 by the World Kabaddi Federation (WKF) in Malaysia, where India won both the men’s and women’s titles by defeating Iraq and Chinese Taipei, respectively. This year’s victory reaffirms India’s supremacy in the sport.

Tournament Format and Participation

The 2025 Kabaddi World Cup saw fierce competition, with teams divided into different groups for both the men’s and women’s events:

  • Men’s Competition:
    • Featured 10 teams split into Group A and Group B.
    • India was placed in Group B alongside Italy, Scotland, Wales, and Hong Kong.
    • Group A included England, Hungary, Poland, Germany, and the United States of America (USA).
  • Women’s Competition:
    • Included six teams divided into Group D and Group E.
    • India was placed in Group D with Wales and Poland.
    • Group E featured England, Hong Kong, and Hungary.

World Kabaddi Day and the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF)

World Kabaddi Day is celebrated annually on March 24 to mark the anniversary of the sport’s official recognition in 2018. The International Kabaddi Federation (IKF), formerly known as the World Kabaddi Federation (WKF), is the governing body overseeing the sport globally. It represents 56 national federations and manages five continental governing bodies.

  • IKF President: Vinod Kumar Tiwari (India)
  • Headquarters: Jaipur, Rajasthan
  • Established: 2004

Why India is a Dominant Factor in the World of Kabaddi

India’s dominance in kabaddi truly stands out, and its remarkable winning streak at the Kabaddi World Cup reinforces its status as the top nation in the sport. Since the Kabaddi World Cup began, India has impressively kept a flawless record, claiming both the men’s and women’s titles in consecutive editions. This incredible success can be attributed to a combination of factors: 

  • Strong Grassroots Development: Kabaddi is deeply ingrained in India’s sporting culture, with a well-structured grassroots program that identifies and nurtures talent from an early age.
  • Professional Leagues and Training: The advent of professional leagues like the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has provided players with better exposure, rigorous training, and international-level competition, enhancing their skill set.
  • Strategic and Tactical Superiority: Indian teams are known for their advanced tactics, speed, and agility, which give them a significant edge over competitors.
  • Experienced Leadership: The presence of seasoned players like Pawan Sehrawat and Ritu Negi, who bring tactical knowledge and leadership, has been instrumental in guiding India to repeated victories.
  • Investment in the Sport: Government and private sector support have fueled the growth of kabaddi, ensuring players receive world-class training, nutrition, and facilities.

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